Mindset Monday #58 | Put Us In A Box (A Lesson From Coach Schwab)
Release Date: 01/13/2025
Mindset Monday #73 | Why Building Over Seasons Is the Only Way to Succeed
The Hockey Lab Podcast
In this episode of Mindset Monday, Coach A delivers a must-hear message for every athlete: if you want to see real progress, you have to build season over season. Whether it's strength, speed, skill development, or nutrition—results don’t happen in 8 weeks. They come from showing up, stacking reps, and doing the work when no one’s watching. 🎯 In this episode: Why one great offseason isn’t enough What “compound interest” looks like in athlete development A reality check on expectations vs. process How to stay focused on the long game Appreciate the process. Trust the...
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Mindset Monday #72 | Growth and Comfort Can’t Coexist
The Hockey Lab Podcast
In Mindset Monday #72, Coach A breaks down a truth every athlete needs to hear: growth and comfort can't exist at the same time. Whether it’s lifting weights, eating for performance, or chasing a spot at the next level—the process will be uncomfortable. And that’s exactly how it should be. This week’s message: embrace the hard. Stay in it longer than the rest. 🎯 In this episode: Why discomfort is the price of progress The mindset behind physical and mental growth How to embrace the challenge instead of avoiding it SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored...
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Mindset Monday #71 |Walk Your Own Path
The Hockey Lab Podcast
In this week’s Mindset Monday, Coach A explores the idea that every athlete walks a different path—and that’s not only okay, it’s necessary. Whether you’re a late bloomer, a role player, or someone who’s still figuring it out, this episode is your reminder that comparison kills momentum. Lean into your strengths, own your weaknesses, and keep showing up. 🎯 In this episode: Why no two players develop the same way How to stop comparing and start focusing The power of consistency over time Trusting your timeline 🎯 Listen. Execute. Improve. SPONSORS OF THE POD...
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Mindset Monday #70 | Just Start: Why Action Beats Perfection Every Time
The Hockey Lab Podcast
“I’ll start when…” is holding you back. In this episode of Mindset Monday, Coach A challenges you to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start now—whether it’s a new training plan, team, nutrition habit, or skill. You’re going to feel uncomfortable. You’re going to be bad at it. And that’s exactly how progress begins. The fear of looking stupid or failing can’t outweigh the potential of where you’ll be in 6, 12, or 24 months. Show up. Execute. Repeat. This is how compound success is built. 🎯 Listen. Execute. Improve. SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly...
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#48 Lucas "Pace" Azeredo Lobo | NHL Playoffs, Speed Development, and Why Off-Ice Sprinting Matters
The Hockey Lab Podcast
In Episode 48 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards sit down with Coach Luke, our head of speed and agility at GRP, to talk all things off-ice speed development, why intent matters more than perfect technique, and how to structure effective sprint sessions for athletes of all ages. They also touch on NHL and OHL playoff updates, some hilarious coaching stories, and what it really takes to get faster—on and off the ice. From hill sprints to sprint mechanics, this is your full-speed offseason guide. 🔥 In this episode: Speed testing 101: how to self-assess sprint...
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Mindset Monday #69 | Why Belief in the Process Beats Chasing the Perfect Plan
The Hockey Lab Podcast
In Episode 69 of Mindset Monday, Coach A delivers a no-fluff breakdown of why believing in your training and committing to the process is more important than chasing the “perfect” plan. Drawing from Canada’s recent struggles in international play and what he’s seen firsthand in the gym, Coach A challenges players and families to stop bouncing from coach to coach and instead build long-term trust, consistency, and intent. Because at the end of the day—a good program executed with full belief will always beat a great one done halfway. 🔥 In this episode: ✅ Why Canada's development...
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#47 - Coach A & Gards | Leafs Reality Check, Offseason Transition, and Maintaining Focus in the Summertime
The Hockey Lab Podcast
In Episode 46 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A & Gards dive into the heart of playoff season—breaking down the pressure of playing in Canadian markets, the intensity of the NHL and OHL playoffs, and what these high-stakes moments teach us about preparation, resilience, and mental toughness. They also discuss key takeaways from recent CHL standouts, including what separates good players from great ones at the junior level. The second half of the episode shifts focus to the offseason prep window—why so many youth athletes get it wrong, how to approach GPP (General Physical Preparation)...
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#46 - Cody Hodgson | Malignant Hyperthermia, Pro Comeback, and Coaching the Next Gen
The Hockey Lab Podcast
Cody Hodgson sits down with Coach A and Gards to share his incredible journey—from battling Malignant Hyperthermia, a rare and life-altering medical condition, to making a remarkable comeback to pro hockey, and now turning his focus to coaching the next generation of athletes. Cody opens up about the mental and physical challenges he’s faced, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to life, performance, and mentorship. 🔥 In this episode: ✅ Cody’s battle with Malignant Hyperthermia ✅ His mindset through recovery and comeback ✅...
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#45 - Coach A & Coach Hugo | Consistency In Training, Cold DM's, and Working at GRP
The Hockey Lab Podcast
In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A sits down with Coach Hugo to talk about his path to joining the Gary Roberts Performance team. From starting as an intern to becoming a key part of the coaching staff, Hugo shares the steps he took, the challenges he faced, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. They dive into the realities of working in high-performance sport, what it takes to grow in a competitive environment, and how the GRP team continues to shape his personal and professional development. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✅ Hugo’s journey from intern to...
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Mindset Monday #68 | Coachability: Turning Feedback Into Fuel
The Hockey Lab Podcast
Great athletes aren’t just physically gifted—they’re coachable. In this episode of Mindset Monday, Coach A breaks down why taking feedback from coaches is a crucial part of growth. Whether it’s tough to hear or not what you expected, learning to receive and apply feedback separates average from elite. SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP)—the ultimate training destination for elite hockey players. If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full...
info_outlineIn today's episode, Coach A talks about Coach Schwab and why training partners matter more than where you train.
Thanks for checking out the pod!
We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.
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The Hosts
Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle
From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season.
Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade.
Coach Ryan (Gards)
Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics.
Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.”
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SPONSORS OF THE POD
Gary Roberts Performance sponsors this podcast - If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.
IG: @garyrobertshpt